Chelsea lead Arsenal and Man Utd in race for £35m William Carvalho

CHELSEA are ready to beat Manchester United and Arsenal to Sporting Lisbon star William Carvalho.

William Carvalho is being watched by Chelsea, Arsenal and United[GETTY]

The Blues have already made a number of signings this summer, splashing the cash on the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, but manager Jose Mourinho is determined to add a few more new faces before the transfer window shuts.

Reports in Portugal claim that both Chelsea and Arsenal sent scouts to watch Carvalho during Sporting's 1-1 draw with Academica on Saturday, but both Mourinho and Arsene Wenger will have been less than impressed after the 22-year-old was shown red in the 66th minute.

Question marks remain over the future of Blues enforcer John Obi Mikel, and with Ramires set for a spell on the sidelines, Carvalho could be brought in to provide Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas with competition.

However, the Gunners and United have been keeping tabs on the youngster all summer and are adamant they won't be beaten to his signature.

Louis Van Gaal is in dire need of reinforcements after his side's 2-1 Premier League opener defeat to Swansea, and with a move for Juventus' Arturo Vidal moving slowly, the Dutchman could yet meet Carvalho' £35million release clause.